All Tutorials

Today I took my Sony Nex-6, Canon 135mm f/2 L Lens, and the Fotodiox Lens adapter out for some Raw Image Quality Testing. The Sony Nex-6 has a New 16mp sensor and it’s capable of pumping out incredible image quality, but the optics in front of the sensor is what focuses the light for the sensor. The better optics equals better image quality. Pretty simple really, but not necessarily practical 😉 The Canon EF 135mm f/2 L Lens is not exactly small or light weight, but it’s know for being one of the sharpest lenses in the Canon EF Lens Line-Up.

The Sony Nex Camera System has an 18mm Sensor to Flange distance (E-Mount), which allows it to accept almost all lenses with the use of a proper Lens Adapter. Owning a bunch of Canon pro lenses it was a no brainier to get a lens adapter asap, so I could use them on my Nex camera!! Be sure to check out my Sony Nex E-Mount Lens Adapter Guide >> to find out what Lens Adapter types you might need!!

Sony Nex-6 Camera and Lens Settings

For these Nex-6 sample images I had the Cannon 135mm Lens set to f/8. I did this by mounting the lens to my Canon 5D Mark II and setting the aperture to f/8. I then pressed the depth of field preview button and simultaneously took off the lens. This trick leaves the lens set to whatever aperture you were previewing, in my case f/8! I then mounted the lens to the fotodiox lens adapter and then to the Sony Nex-6.

I also had to change some of the camera default settings in order for the camera to work “without a lens”. By default the Nex-6 comes with a feature called shoot without lens, and it’s Turned Off. You will need to turn this ON! Next your going to want to turn on Focus Peaking which will help dramatically with manual focus. It basically overlays colored lines on the sharp spots to help you focus faster and more accurately. Not only does focus peaking work, it makes using manual lenses almost easy!!

The Sun was getting low and was painting some killer light all over the place. I couldn’t really find anything that good, but this had some sharp lines, shadows, and hot spots!! The Sony Nex-6 Dynamic Range is excellent!!

Closing Remarks:

Quality optics make a pretty big difference right??

I sure think they do, and these few sample photos illustrate what the Sony Nex-6 16.1MP Sensor can do with Pro Grade Glass!! I’ definitely get more sample photos before my full Sony Nex-6 Review, so don’t worry about that. I also need to get some photos in the studio with the wireless flash.

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15 Comments

Thanks for this page!
As a new NEX-6 moving from a Pentax K20D, I still wonder if I made the right choice but not vs the K20D because the NEX-6 runs circle about it but against other possible options.
My research showed me it was the best option for me but you always think about it more after the purchase.
So far I am impressed by the features and how easy is to get stunning images.
Glad to see there is even more you can squeeze of it using RAW and with the Lightroom profile, even better!

My research showed me it was the best option for me but you always think about it more after the purchase.

I totally know what you mean about caring more once you purchase something!! Or second guessing etc.. The Pentax K20D is a really nice camera from what I can tell. I’m surprised you say the Nex-6 runs circles around it!! As good as it is, that is a little surprising.

I was honestly surprised at how good the raw images were on the Sony Nex-6. Don’t get me wrong, I knew they were going to be good, but man they are incredible!! Shadow detail and highlight detail seems to be better than my 5d Mark II by a significant amount.

The Sony Jpeg engine really does over process a bit in my opinion. I usually shoot RAW for my personal photography, so it’s stands to reason I would prefer the less saturated, less sharpened look. A lot of people prefer the jpeg Pop and want even more which is understandable. I usually develop my photos towards that direction anyhow, but prefer the control and enjoy the process 🙂

thanks for the detailed breakdown…i am interested in the fotodiox adapter but am confused about something on their site…i also have a wide angle ef-s lens (in addition to some L lens)
does it mean it won’t fit…or just won’t work for ef-s lenses

Hi Jay – I have a Sony NEX-5 which I am thrilled with. I am delighted that I did not buy the Canon EOS M! I also have old Canon EF lens including a 50mm 1.0 which is amazing for low light conditions. What adaptor should I buy? Is there any advantage to buying one with an aperture ring? Does it save you having to set the aperture on a Canon EOS body? If not is there any advantage?
Your site is great – both practical & inspiring – keep it up. Good luck, Michael

I would go with the Rainbow Imaging lens adapter because it’s very affordable and works. I have the Fotodiox lens adapter with the built in iris, but it’s pretty much useless and not worth using in my opinion. You still need to set the aperture on the lens. Better off saving and getting an electronic lens adapter if you want to change the aperture or just a standard passive adapter like the rainbow imaging one, and set the aperture manually with a Canon camera body.

Thanks for the kind words about the website, and I hope my answer helps you out,
Jay

I just bought the Fotodiox adapter for my NEX 7, but my image quality is so bad, I mean major camera ske bad except at 1/1500. I don’t know if I am doing something wrong. I am using first gen Canon 24-70 mm.

That sounds really strange. I have no idea why your having so much camera shake? I’ve used mutliple large ef lenses with mine and have had no such issue. It’s blurry shots your getting? perhaps the focus is off?

Hi Jay, someone once told me that photography is kind of like alcohol… addictive.. This where I am right now. Though probably a beginner. Quick question, how to set aperture on the Canon EF 135mm using the adaptor on the Next-6 (considering I don’t own any Canon camera body)?

I love using the Canon EF 135mm f/2 lens wide open @ f/2 on the Nex-6, but during the day it can be hard with the shutter speed 1/4000sec. It tops out really quick and often requires a ND filter to help slow the shutter speed down. I would still use it and play for sure, and you can consider picking up an old junk canon ef body off ebay for cheap!